American Movie

Duration:

107m

Rating:

R

About the Film:

There may be no more heroic journey from a more delusional character, thus no more American a story, than American Movie. Tracing Mark Borchardt’s laudable, drive to craft his independent horror film Coven – the hoped-for sales profits from which would go toward the financing of his pet project, the feature-length drama Northwestern.

Chris Smith’s film is sympathetic and revealing of the madness that is artistic drive. Smith’s gift is to never overly chide his subject, simply letting the events that transpired during the making of this witchy indie film play out. Along the way, we meet a veritable menagerie of dreamers and enablers that provide the documentary with much of its charm.

A testament to fortitude, and a genuinely entertaining film, American Movie remains a peerless documentary. Twenty years after its initial release, it remains a vital part of the non-fiction canon, a warm look at artistic folly that speaks to the delusional dreamer in all of us.

The Little Theatre is the premier cultural center for the presentation of American independent and foreign films, visual arts and music for the greater Rochester community. Through educational events, the Little Theatre provides local artists a place to share and discuss their visions with a diverse audience.

WXXI Public Broadcasting and the Little Theatre are engaged in a formal, long-term affiliation. This combined organization promises to enhance the cultural life of the community and strengthens both institutions by pooling resources and experience in key mission areas. WXXI is the essential, life-long educational public media resource for the Greater Rochester area.